What to Do If You Locked Yourself Out of Your Car
Many car owners have locked their cars out at some point. It can be terrifying and frustrating however there are steps you can take to fix it.
Rather than being anxious, try to remain calm and think through all of your options before making a decision. You may be eligible for roadside assistance through an insurance or credit card policy that could help you out.
1. Lock the doors
The first thing you need to do when you've locked yourself out of your vehicle is to ensure that the doors are all locked. In the rush people can forget things. The last thing you want is to waste your time trying open doors that aren't locked!
After that, make sure all the windows are closed. Many times, those who are locked out of their car do not close the windows behind them. This could cause a huge issue in the future!
It's also recommended to let your friends and family know that you're locked out of the car. They will be able keep an eye on your situation and assist you in the event of an emergency. If you are buying an automobile It is a good idea for you to keep spare keys in a safe place. This will stop you from locking yourself out of the future!
You can utilize one or more of the options that are listed above to gain access to your vehicle. For instance, you can employ a screwdriver in order to pry the lock open and insert a rod through it (or something similar). Another alternative is to use a coathanger that is straightened and placed between the window and weatherstripping to raise the locking mechanism. You can also purchase inflatable wedge kits specifically designed for this purpose.
Keep in mind that there are times in which you cannot wait for assistance to unlock the door. For instance, if have a pet or a child in the car that is locked, you may not be in a position to let them get cold or hot inside while waiting for someone else to come and free them!
2. Call for help
It can be a very stressful situation to lock yourself out of your vehicle. If you're able to remain calm and seek assistance, it shouldn't be a reason to ruin your day.
If you discover that you're locked out of your vehicle, you should first assess the situation to determine if it is urgent. This is difficult especially if your car is located in a precarious area, like on railroad tracks or in a crime-ridden area. If you can, call 911 to inform them that there is a pet or child in the car and that you need their assistance.
Get help if you are unable to contact anyone immediately. You may be able to open your car's door with help of a friend or family member, or they may have a spare set of keys they can leave with you. You could also attempt to break the window, but this is not recommended because it can be costly and dangerous, especially if they are made of safety glasses.
Keep the number of a Gainesville Locksmith on hand in case you ever lock your keys inside your home. You can hire a professional to assist you in a matter of minutes.
It's also a good idea if you're a part of a program that provides assistance for roadside emergencies, like AAA. Many of these companies provide 24/7 services and have experts available to help in lockout situations. They can often help you get back into your car without damaging it, so they're worth a call. Think about using keychains to help you see your keys.
3. Find an extra key
The best way to prevent being locked out of your vehicle is to keep an extra key. It may seem like a first-world problem however it's cheaper than calling a locksmith or a tow company! Keep keys in a purse or wallet, or in a magnetic key holder that you can attach to the underneath of your vehicle. You could also consider investing in an inflatable wedge kit and tools that extend far to open a locked car.
Ask a family member or friend to carry your spare keys if you are away from home. This only works when you're within a reasonable driving distance of them obviously, but it can save you time and money in the event of an emergency lockout.
You can also swap keys with friends or roommates once a month to ensure that you don't wear down your primary key. This is especially beneficial if you live near a significant amount of snow. The cold winter weather can increase wear on keys.
It's not fun to lose your keys but it does happen to all of us. If you find yourself in this situation, try to stay at peace and come up with an alternative plan. There are a variety of methods and tools to help you get into your vehicle, such as a Slim Jim, an inflatable wedge, a bobbypin, or a wire hanger. It could take a few tries, but don't give up! Eventually you'll be able unlock your door. Be sure to check all doors. Particularly if you suspect you've locked yourself out of the back window.
4. For assistance at the roadside, call
A car that is locked can be an extremely stressful situation, especially when you have pets or children inside. There are a variety of methods to gain entry into your car, including calling roadside assistance and getting a spare.
The first step is to remain calm and consider all of your alternatives. This can help you avoid making rash decisions and prevents you from taking extreme measures which could prove dangerous to yourself or others. Also, make sure that you don't hide an extra key in a secret location outside your home, as this can be a good way for thieves to find it. It's a better idea to keep an additional key with a neighbour or a family member, as well as to make it a habit of checking your car prior to leaving.
It might be easier to get into your vehicle if you've got a keyless entry system on a car that is newer. If you have an older car, you will need to find a different method. There are many gas stations that can assist you with this as they often have tools that can unlock your door without damage. unlock keys in car is to use a hook that is long and pull the lock. You can also use shoelaces.
If your keys are still in the ignition, or if you suspect someone is stuck in your vehicle, dial 911 immediately. Depending on the situation an officer from the police force or fire department might be able to unlock the door of your car. In the event that you are not able to, contact a locksmith. Keep the contact number of your local locksmith handy as it may take some time for them to get to you.
5. Contact a locksmith
A locksmith is the best option if you're locked out of your car and are unable to gain entry using any other means. Locksmiths specialize in unlocking cars, so they're able to do it quickly and efficiently. They're also able to help you avoid future lockouts by installing alarm systems and providing advice on the best methods to secure your vehicle.
Make sure that all doors are locked and your keys have been locked prior to calling for assistance. It's easy to lose the car keys, particularly when you are hurrying to leave or you are absent-minded. Checking each door can save you a lot of trouble in the future.
Roadside assistance services such as AAA can be extremely useful in the event that you are stuck in your car. They are usually in a matter of minutes and carry kits specially designed for this situation. You can also call an auto locksmith near you for assistance in a short time and a lot of them offer 24 hour emergency services.
If you can't gain entry to your vehicle on your own it's better to locate a safe spot to stay and wait for help. If you're able locate an area where people who pass by aren't likely to think you're a burglar or a burglar.
It's an enormous inconvenience to find yourself locked out of your vehicle. But if you keep an extra key, adhere to proper securing procedures and don't hurry to get in and out of your vehicle, it's unlikely this will happen too often. Don't panic, but in the event that it happens, there are a variety of solutions to resolve the issue and get back on track.